UPDATE 1-Soccer-Redknapp's successful Spurs stay ends

Reuters

(Adds quotes, details, byline)

* Redknapp leaves Spurs after four successful years

* Redknapp sad to be leaving

By Patrick Johnston

June 14 (Reuters) - Harry Redknapp will leave his role asTottenham Hotspur manager, the club said on Thursday, bringingto an end a successful and eventful four-year spell with theEnglish Premier League side.

Redknapp, who was heavily linked to the England manager'sjob before the Football Association appointed Roy Hodgson lastmonth, had one-year remaining on his contract and had said inrecent weeks he hoped to renew it.

But after a rollercoaster season where Spurs narrowly missedout on a place in the lucrative Champions League after pushingfor the title, and Redknapp was cleared of tax evasion by anEnglish court, chairman Daniel Levy decided a managerial changewas necessary.

"This is not a decision the board and I have taken lightly,"Levy said in a short statement on the club's website(www.tottenhamhotspur.com).

"Harry arrived at the club at a time when his experience andapproach was exactly what was needed.

"This decision in no way detracts from the excellent workHarry has done during his time with the club and I should liketo thank him for his achievements and contribution."

Redknapp was appointed Spurs manager in Oct. 2008 with theclub bottom of the Premier League after taking just two pointsfrom eight matches.

He resurrected their fortunes and took them to the LeagueCup final that season where they were beaten by ManchesterUnited on penalties and enjoyed more success the following yearwhen he led them to the Champions League for the first time.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Spurs and am proud ofmy achievements," Redknapp said in the statement.

"I have had a fantastic four years with the club, at timesthe football has been breathtaking. I am sad to be leaving butwish to thank the players, staff and fans for their terrificsupport during my time there."

(Reporting by Patrick Johnston in Singapore; Editing by GregStutchbury)